Comedian Patrice O Neal

Comedian Patrice O Neal, When news broke on Tuesday that comedian Patrice O’Neal had died at 41 from complications of a stroke, those closest to him began to react to the sad news.

Ricky Gervais is one of the many friends and celebrity fans who has reacted to the news, recalling a fondness for the comedian’s sense of humor and wit. “One of my favourite stand up comedians,” he tweeted.

“So sad. RIP,” Kevin Smith added. “I shared some air & some air time with the man on O&A & he was always funny & thoughtful. Patrice — he WILL be missed.”

“Saturday Night Live” star Seth Meyers remembered the comic on Twitter as well. “RIP Patrice O’Neal,” he wrote. “A day spent watching clips of him on-line is a day well spent.”

Dane Cook knew the comic for a long time, and he shared his memories of him on Twitter. “I started my career w/ Patrice O’Neal,” he wrote. “He was 1 of the best ever. Fond memories of road gigs, late night eats & laughs.”

Pro wrestler Chris Jericho, who knew O’Neal when he worked as a writer for the WWE, also tweeted about his passing. “Sad to hear about Patrice O’Neal. … I met him when he was a WWE writer and worked w him many times,” he wrote. “Sweet guy and very funny! God bless u man.”

O’Neal frequently appeared on “Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn,” and after hearing of his death, the “SNL” alum also took to Twitter: “Thanks to everybody for the Patrice ONeal comments. One of a kind. In heaven right now, charming half and infuriating half, then reversing.”